Sydney Opera House, 25 October 2009.

It was a wet day. The Sydney Opera House decided to throw open its doors to the public for free. Access all areas. I think this is the only open day it has ever held.

I didn't think it would be popular. Not on a wet day. I was wrong.

Luckily the queue moved quickly.

We entered through the backstage door.

This is the belly of the Opera House.

This stage is on a lift which can be moved into the theatre.

AC/DC thumping through this sound system sounding huge.

Opera House, west wing.

Many small theatres for experimental works.

Rendered useless.

East wing, Utzon room, in honor of the great architect.

Utzon room.

Box office.

Dressed for the occasion.

Kids took full advantage of the relaxed rules.

Opera Theatre.

Opera Theatre with hidden orchestra pit.

Concert Hall. This is the main hall inside the Opera House.

I've seen about half a dozen shows here.

Then deep into the underbelly of the Opera House. Though lots of small winding corridors. Not sure where it was leading.

We enter a big room.

It was the rehearsal room for ballet.

Spot me in the mirror.

Rehearsal / performance.

This is where the tour ends.

Then, peeking into some of the offices inside the Opera House, I spotted a valuable piece of Australia art history. Can you spot it?

Top right, the original Bill Henson invitation that unleashed so much uproar. Fair dinkum.

<<